The Bilge Pumps - Past Landings: Changing Winds Benefit Concert 2013

Norman, OK July 13, 2013

The tornado that hit Moore, OK on May 20, 2013 took many lives and destroyed hundreds of family homes. One of those houses destroyed was the home of Scott Balliet and his daughter, Heather. They've been fans of the Bilge Pumps since our second-ever show in 2000 and we've enjoyed visiting with them and watching her grow up more each year as they came to watch us at the Norman Medieval Fair. When the tornado hit, Maroon wanted to put together a benefit as his childhood home was damaged by the tornado and his old elementary school was Plaza Towers. However, we struggled to find the best charity to send any money to. Once we heard about Scott's home, though, we knew we had the perfect way to help make a difference without feeling like a drop in the bucket. So, with Santa Fe Train Depot as the location and the generous donation of time from Bilge Pumps, Tullamore, Black Oak Shillelagh, Tynear, Dr. Rev. Mr. Cheeks Miller, and A Mirage Dance Company, a great 5-hour concert event was born! Donations from our friends and fans all combined to help make something nice out of a tragedy. We're proud to have organized it and to have been a part of it.

This is the remains of the Balliet home and their surrounding neighborhood on May 21st, the day after the tornado struck Newcastle, OKC, and Moore.	Here is the Balliet family posing with the Bilge Pumps at their toga show at the Medieval Fair in April. Complete with the granddaughter getting strangled by John Crow the Cook.	Dr. Rev. Mr. Cheeks Miller (not the other Ed Miller) gets the benefit concert kicked off with some great music... and by making claw gestures at the audience.
The merchandise booth is all set up to crank out sales to add to the donation pot.	After a small break, Black Oak Shillelagh took over the stage and treated everyone to a Celtic music smorgasbord.	Capt Fred Sparrow and Elizabeth Knightly from A Pair of Pirates showed up to spice up the proceedings.
Next up on the main stage, the talents of Tynear (tin-ear), who were horribly announced by Maroon, but cranked out lovely music anyway.	Cheeks approves! While sporting the official button of the event as well.	In between sets, Maroon the Shantyman gets Scott and Heather up on stage to introduce everyone to the family they were there to support.
It's Tullamore time! Or it will be once Mary gets done waiting on the sound system to get set up properly.	OK, now it's Tullamore time! This generous band drove all the way from Kansas City to help out with the event.	Maroon, Sharkbait Simon, and John Crow watch the Tullamore show while pondering what songs to put on their set list. Bonnie Ship, anyone?
The audience turned out in force and filled the building up to support a family in need and listen to some great music... and the Bilge Pumps.	Oh yeah, these guys. Setting the over/under for the number of times to hear "Bonnie Ship the Diamond" on the day to 2.	Harvey the Corpsman, Splice the Rigger, and John Crow react when the food truck guy announces that Mary from Tullamore got the last piece of cobbler
The band dusts off the rarely played "The Flying Cloud" by last second request.	They band follows up with their oh-so depressing version of "The Mermaid" to really set the tone.	Of course, the Bilge Pumps can't visit Oklahoma without performing "Johnny Jump Up"! Complete with a pregnant Monkey-Lyssa as one of the pumpettes!